Nanocomposite Fiber Based Web and Membrane Formation and Characterization

Electrospinning is used to produce polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibers. Electrospun nano and micro sized fibers are collected on nonwoven fabrics to form a web and membranes. Optimization is carried out by considering some of the parameters, such as voltage, spinning time, polymer solution, distance between the collector and the needle. Beading effect, effect of solution viscosity, and voltage are investigated. Mechanical and thermal properties are measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Surface tension properties are examined. Glass transition and melting temperature are increased with the addition of nanoclay to PVA. Nanoclay also increases the barrier properties and thermal stability of PVA fibers. Yarn samples are produced by twisting nano-micro fibers. Tensile strength of the yarn samples is measured.